Chapter 54.
"I'm laying my words right here: I will definitely take Haruhime with me. Not even a God can stop me, I said it."
The entire room fell silent.
Although using an overly-dramatic line was a bit cheesy, Eugene managed to hold his expression.
Only his two big toes kept curling in embarrassment.
"Sir..." Haruhime's eyelashes trembled. While startled, a slight curve quietly formed on her lips.
In this era named after the Gods, no one dared to defy a God.
Yet Eugene spoke such grand words for her.
This instilled endless warmth and comfort back into Haruhime's cold heart, which had already resigned itself to the inevitable death.
She looked at Eugene with increasingly deep eyes. His calm and resolute exterior was immensely reassuring.
"...Anyone can say pretty words, but when it comes time to act, one's true colors show."
Ultimately, it was Aisha who spoke up.
Without Haruhime's knowledge, Aisha had actually helped her once before.
After privately destroying a Killing Stone and sabotaging the ritual, Aisha was severely punished.
She was beaten to near death by the Level 5 Familia captain, and then charmed by Ishtar into a mental breakdown, making her unable to harbor any rebellious thoughts again.
She knew how difficult it was to free Haruhime.
And because of that, she especially hated those who only spoke empty words!
"I understand you, and I thank you 18 times."
Eugene knew Aisha's pain and respected her courage.
"But the reason you failed is that your strength was insufficient, and your planning was lacking."
Perhaps due to the time constraint back then, Aisha had to destroy the Killing Stone.
But looking at her character design later, she might have truly just acted impulsively.
After all, Amazons prioritize martial prowess, and their strategy skills are truly regrettable.
Aisha's slender, beautiful eyes narrowed: "So, you have a plan?"
At the mention of a plan, the few people who knew Eugene immediately realized that this guy was leading them by the nose again.
"I'm not talented, but I do have one plan."
"Hmph, if you fail, you'll die." Aisha was half-skeptical. After all, Eugene wasn't a Familia member; if he died, it would just cost some money in fines.
"Why not reconsider running away?"
Eugene chuckled: "Relax, one plan is enough."
His inexplicably confident attitude left the straightforward Aisha speechless. Who the heck are you, bro?
Besides being rich, handsome, and built, and having that fearless bull-bull, what else do you have? And you dare to be so self-assured here?
Eugene naturally saw her doubts but didn't say anything.
The Ishtar Familia's arc is in Season 2 of the anime, which is about two months from the current timeline.
He didn't need to rush to prove himself.
"Right, Sir," Amidst her gratitude, Haruhime suddenly asked: "You just said that the ladies present are all related to me."
"What kind of relationship is it?" She blinked her shining green eyes.
"..." Everyone turned their attention over.
Yeah? What kind of relationship is it?
Harem sisterhood, of course! Eugene screamed in his heart, but he couldn't say it aloud.
"Haruhime is a crucial part of my plan, and without any one of you, I cannot save her. Therefore, your relationship with her is more intimate than mine."
The Scumbag's Playbook: Ambiguity and Misdirection!
Putting aside the facts, what matters is the conveyance of emotion!
Using the girls' sensibility to subtly resolve conflict!
Oh~~~~~
Just as Eugene expected, the girls' expressions showed sudden enlightenment mixed with a little bit of touching emotion.
The atmosphere instantly became much warmer.
Harem harmony, plan accomplished! Eugene gave himself another pat on the back.
However, jokes aside, business must be done.
After all, that one-eyed giant craftsman was still eagerly waiting for the promised brand-new version of materials.
"It's about time..."
Eugene stood up, smoothly scooping Haruhime up by the waist.
Let's go, follow me inside!
"Eh, eh!? Sir?" Startled by the sudden intimacy, Haruhime shyly covered her little face.
"Everyone is watching..."
Yes, if everyone wasn't watching, I wouldn't be comfortable.
Eugene flashed an electric glance at the three bodyguard girls, then turned and slipped into the inner room.
Ryuu and the others had slightly flushed faces but accepted the situation.
Eugene had already discussed this with them on the way here.
As for the reason, ask less, do more.
Do enough, and maybe he'll tell you?
Eugene had too many secrets, and knowing them might not necessarily be a good thing.
So, they dutifully complied.
Inside the room, Eugene sprawled out casually, enjoying the soft lap pillow offered by Haruhime.
"Lord Eugene, do you really want to use it?" She seemed a bit confused.
With only two meetings, Haruhime completely trusted Eugene.
It wasn't just because Eugene was good at flirting; she herself wasn't that difficult to 'conquer.'
It just depends on whether you're enough of a man to boldly commit an act of daring for her sake and hijack the execution ground.
Eugene estimated that their true progress was just over halfway.
After all, up until now, it was only sweet talk.
But this was already enough for him to unlock Haruhime's aid.
One of the three major cheats of DanMachi: [Level Up]
An essential divine skill for showing off, punching above one's weight, and fighting against higher-level monsters!
"Use it. Let me see all of you." Eugene gently stroked Haruhime's face, his expression earnest: "Remember, your power is the core of my plan."
"Whether it's salvation or conquest, my success or failure rests in your hands."
"Lend it to me. I promise I will lead you to freedom."
The man's and woman's eyes met, exchanging unspoken conviction.
Haruhime slowly revealed a dazzling smile.
"Honestly, you already know."
"I can no longer refuse you."
The light in her eyes was brilliant, and the pulsation of magic power was clearly audible even through the door.
It's coming! Among the group, Ryuu was the most proficient in magic. Her sight could pierce through the thin door panel and see the truth within.
What pure energy! This thought simultaneously popped up in everyone's minds.
Aisha and Lena looked at each other, their expressions hesitant.
This was the first time Haruhime had performed [Level Up] on an outsider.
It was also the first time she had taken off the restrictive collar and willingly given her power to another person.
[-Become Large]
[Its power and action, countless treasures, countless wishes. When the bell tolls, pray for glory and fantasy]
[-Become Large]
[This body which has swallowed the divine offering, bestows golden light to the Gods. Bestow the hammer and return to the earth, bestow a blessing.]
[-Become Large]
The ethereal and beautiful voice lingered, and pure light converged around her. The intricate magic circle 277 on the floor covered the surroundings.
Haruhime raised her hands high, as if praying to the heavens for divine power.
She was, by nature, a Miko (shrine maiden) who served the Gods.
Above her jade hands, a massive orb of light condensed, forming a golden giant hammer.
"All-Treasure Hammer"-that was the true name of this magic.
Boom!
She swung it down towards the man she had entrusted her heart to. The ethereal bell tolling sounded far away in the sky and close in their ears.
The Dungeon.
Eugene opened his eyes.
Fully armed, the Minotaur, clad in armor and wielding an axe, stood alone on the snowy white plain.
In front of him, inside the colossal crystal wall, a mass of black flesh was constantly emitting heavy, powerful heartbeats.
"Wake up, partner."
Eugene summoned a bottle from his system space.
He uncorked the lid, and from within, a dazzling seven-colored spiritual light shone!
The Blood of Soma, the Wine God!
Click!
A pair of gigantic, blood-red eyes materialized behind the pure crystal.
The Dungeon, feeling the presence of divinity, let out an angry roar!
Rumble rumble!
Like the booming of war drums, like the passing of a thousand armies, the entire 17th Floor violently trembled due to this deep-seated hatred.
The huge black shadow grew rapidly. As its bones and flesh rapidly sprouted, its body impatiently broke through its confinement. Not waiting a single second, it let out an earth-shattering roar, charging towards Eugene, who was facing it alone!
Buzz-
Just at that moment, a brilliant and warm golden light leaped up around Eugene's body.
His body felt light, as if aided by a God.
Ten minutes on the countdown.
The true death match begins now!!
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